In-situ hydrogenolysis of lignin model compound by using hydrogen produced from decomposition of hydrogen carrier

Abstract

Biomass has been attracting more attentions as chemical feedstocks by deoxygenation and hydrogenolysis processes, which require high pressure hydrogen atmosphere. We have proposed new hydrogenolysis process, “in-situ hydrogenolysis”, in which hydrogen generation by decomposition of hydrogen carrier and simultaneous hydrogenolysis of biomass proceed. We examined the validity of the proposed process by treating benzofuran as lignin model compound in the presence of methanol as hydrogen source and alumina supported platinum catalyst in an inert gas atmosphere. It was found that furan moiety in benzofuran was selectively hydrogenated and monophenolic products were obtained.